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PopImpressKA Journal: STYLE FASHION WEEK / DAVID TUPAZ

by Olga Papkovitch

April 28, 2018

David Tupaz Fall Winter 2018

David Tupaz Couture is one brand that dazzles the audience like a Las Vegas Show. The David Tupaz Fall 2018 collection made premiered at New York Fashion Week‘s Style Fashion Week at Cipriani in Manhattan.

Shimmering gold lamé gowns, opulent jeweled embellishments, and dramatic printed black capes ruled this season’s runway. The Filipino designer showcased a range of elegant evening wear that we could picture so many Hollywood celebrities loving for red carpet events – but he also displayed luxury ready-to-wear garments like cozy knit sweaters and statement blazers.

“Fashion is the extension of our personalities. It dignifies our humanity, just like art and music,” the designer has previously shared. “I believe in capturing elegance; an allure of romantic feminism with a tailored twist. It speaks of a modern dignified grace.” Designer David Tupaz revealed.

Hailed as couture's new genius, Filipino designer, David Tupaz, is the shining Filipino gem in the Hollywood red carpet.   What makes David stand out among other designers is not only his elegant and stylish haute couture work but also his passion for his craft, love for his clients, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence.

The charismatic and gregarious David, who was trained in New York, said he moved to Los Angeles because "I needed a change in environment. I love New York but I wanted more. Hollywood dictates fashion in America. New York might be the center of fashion but Hollywood is the window. People want to wear what they see on the stars."

However, breaking into Hollywood was an uphill battle. "It was intimidating," he said. "Being a minority and an Asian, I felt that my chances of making it here in Hollywood were slim. But I believed that the Filipino talent is at par with the best of the world and that was my inspiration to keep on going. So I went beyond the brand and created a distinct rebirth of old Hollywood." Today, David is living his dream

Among his clients are William and Elizabeth Shatner, Alan and Tanya Thicke, Patti Austin, Trisha Simmons, Jane Seymour, Mitzi Kapture, Lisa Rinna, Kris Kardashian Jenner, Etta James, Christine Baranski, Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, Mariel Hemingway, Rain Pryor, Kelly LeBrock, Bo Derek, Cheryl Ladd, Annette Bening and Tracy Hamilton just to name a few. Photos by Mark Gunter.

Other clients include former First Lady Imelda Marcos and former Miss Japan Keiko Ibi who wore a purple peaux de soix that he designed and created for the 1999 Oscar Awards night where Ibi received the Best Documentary Film Award from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. People magazine dubbed David's creation as one of the evening's most memorable gowns.

The humble David quipped, "I guess I am not famous but famous people know me. They love the simple sophistication and they feel appropriately dressed when they wear my clothing. I make sure their individual taste and personal style stand out."

David does not only designs luxurious gowns, he completes the look with his own custom-designed jewelry, beaded accessories, shoes and intricately handcrafted veils.

Asked what drives him to pursue his passion for fashion, the talented David said, "I think being an artist somehow makes one feel responsible! Without artistry, we would have never discovered and understood the value of history and humanity from the prehistoric paintings inside cave walls to the writings of ancient Greece, to the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt. Art and culture drive me! The little difference that I as an artist can contribute to make life beautiful keeps me motivated and going...and I like to share that." David sees himself not just a fashion designer but someone who's passionate about art, culture and history.